You're losing motivation to do your job. Your energy levels are down. You get irritated easily. There's no joy in what you do anymore. Your sleep patterns are off. You might even be thinking about quitting. If you can relate to any of these statements, you might be dealing with Burnout.  The Mayo Clinic defines burnout as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” Burnout doesn't mean the end of your career though! There are steps you can take to avoid it and overcome it.

1. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Putting in 12 hours a day, 5-7 days a week just isn't sustainable. Make sure you're using time management strategies that are tried and true. Like making to do lists and prioritizing them. Allotting specific times of the day to answering emails and returning calls. Use your drive time to listen to real estate related podcasts. These are just a few examples of the hundreds of time management techniques that are out there. Do some research and find the ones that work best for you!

2. Don't work when you're not working

This is easier said than done, but setting boundaries is key to work/life balance. Real estate agents don't have the luxury of a set schedule every day. You can let your clients know up front what your boundaries are though. For example, not answering calls or emails past 8pm or before 8am. Also making your meal times strictly "no work" time can help give you breaks throughout the day. Take an hour for lunch, maybe a couple for dinner. Just make sure you're giving yourself time off and sticking to it.

3. Practice Self Care

Journaling, mediating, reading a book, getting your hair done, watching a favorite TV show, taking a bubble bath, and so many other things are all examples of stuff you can do to take care of yourself. The key to this is doing it every day though. Even if it's just 10-15 minutes, you have to make time for the things you love outside of work each and every day. This might be the most important step to avoiding burnout.

4. Consider an Extended Break

If you've tried everything above and the burnout is still there, consider an extended break. It may take time to really find your motivation again. If that motivation never returns, then a change of career might be necessary. Remember that your physical and mental health should always be the top priority.

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